Budget 2026: Nirmala Sitharaman Set to Present Union Budget on February 1
Budget 2026: Sitharaman to Present on Feb 1, Key Dates Revealed

Budget 2026: Nirmala Sitharaman Set to Present Union Budget on February 1

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to present the Union Budget for 2026 on Sunday, February 1. This announcement comes amid high anticipation as she prepares to deliver her ninth consecutive budget. The event holds significant historical weight, as Sitharaman will soon match the record set by former Prime Minister Morarji Desai, who presented ten budgets during his tenure.

Clarifying the Budget Date

Reports confirm that the budget presentation will occur on February 1, despite earlier speculation about possible dates like Saturday or Monday. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs will make the final decision at an appropriate time. Sources cited by PTI emphasized that the tradition of presenting the budget on a Sunday dates back to British colonial practices, but the government maintains a fixed schedule for this crucial financial event.

Key Pre-Budget Events and Timeline

The Budget Session of Parliament will kick off with several important dates leading up to the main presentation. Here is a detailed timeline of events:

  1. January 28: The Budget Session commences with a joint address by President Droupadi Murmu to both Houses of Parliament.
  2. January 29: The Lok Sabha will meet as per the provisional calendar issued by its Secretariat.
  3. January 31: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to present the Economic Survey. This document, prepared by Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran, provides a comprehensive overview of the economy's state and serves as a precursor to the budget.
  4. February 1: At 11 AM in the Lok Sabha, Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2026, outlining the government's financial plans for the upcoming fiscal year.
  5. February 13: The first half of the Budget Session concludes.
  6. March 9: The second half of the Budget Session begins.
  7. April 2: The Budget Session ends, with both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha adjourned sine die.

Historical Significance and Expectations

This budget is particularly noteworthy as it represents the second full-fledged budget of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third term in office. Sitharaman's consistent leadership in presenting nine consecutive budgets underscores her pivotal role in shaping India's economic policies. Stakeholders across sectors are eagerly awaiting the announcements, which are expected to address key economic challenges and opportunities.

The government's approach to this budget reflects a blend of tradition and modern economic strategies, with all eyes on the finance minister as she prepares to make history. Follow the latest updates and developments on Union Budget 2026 for real-time insights and analysis.